LAHORE: Pakistan has sent a plan to the federal cabinet to make it easier to import cooking gas from other countries, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik said Sunday. He said the goal is to make sure people do not run out of fuel in an emergency.
Speaking to people in his area of Mughalpura and later to reporters, Malik said the government is planning ahead to make sure there is enough crude oil, petrol, diesel, gas and LPG. He said this is important because the world energy situation keeps changing.
He said full arrangements are being made to meet people’s gas needs in December, January and February. He said the prime minister and the cabinet have been told about how much gas the country needs, how much is available, and what problems could come up.
On LPG prices, Malik said the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority sets the prices, and Saudi Aramco’s monthly price plays a big role. He said steps are being taken to make sure there is enough LPG in winter, when demand goes up.
Malik said giving people relief on petroleum prices is the government’s top priority. He said more than 9 million people have benefited from a plan that gives 100 rupees off per liter to those who qualify. He promised that when international oil prices go down, people in Pakistan will get the benefit right away.
The minister said petroleum prices are set in a clear and open way, and people can see the details on the OGRA website. He said the government has not tried to make people pay more than what is needed because of higher international oil prices.
Malik said that on the orders of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the government started programs to help low-income people, including motorcycle riders and people with cars up to 800cc. He said motorcycle riders get 100 rupees off per liter, and about 9 million people benefit. He said the government will keep helping people as long as it can afford to.
On security, Malik said the rise in terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a serious problem. He said the country needs to be united and stand with the military to stop terrorism and protect the borders. He asked all political leaders, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to understand how serious the situation is and help protect the country.
“If there is a country, there is everything for us; if there is no country, there is nothing,” he said. He said this is not the time for political fights but for putting the country first.
He said political disagreements can be solved later, but there can be no compromise on security. He said political and military leaders should stay united for the country’s sake.
The minister said martyrs are the pride of Pakistan and gave their lives for the country. He said the whole nation honors them. He urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to take his responsibilities seriously on national security.
Malik said there will be time for political differences and criticism later, but right now the priority is to unite against terrorism and protect Pakistan’s future.
He said a neighboring country’s hostile actions are no secret, and national leaders must stay united to protect Pakistan from all threats. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders have repeatedly offered to talk with opposition parties. He said the state is more important than any person or political party.
He said the prime minister has decided that every needed step will be taken to keep Pakistan safe, and the country’s leaders will not give up sovereignty or dignity.
On the region, Malik said Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders are working hard to end regional tensions and bring lasting peace. He said he hopes these efforts lead to a permanent ceasefire and peace, and that talking is the only way to solve regional problems.
The minister said Pakistan is worried about attacks on oil sites near Riyadh and problems on sea routes near Bab-el-Mandeb by the Houthis, and he condemned these attacks.
He talked about the Makkah agreement between Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia. He said Pakistan will not leave Saudi Arabia alone and will stand with it, working with Turkiye. He said Saudi Arabia helped Pakistan get oil during hard times, and Pakistan is thankful.
Malik said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked him to go to Riyadh to meet the Saudi energy minister and thank him for Saudi Arabia’s help. He said Pakistan values its long friendship and cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
The petroleum minister said planning ahead about international prices and fuel supplies is important to protect people from shortages and higher prices. He said the government is making decisions early to reduce the impact of the global energy crisis and is committed to making sure there is enough fuel.
Malik also thanked Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz workers and local leaders, calling them a valuable asset. He said they always share people’s concerns with the leadership. He said party workers will get their due role when local government elections come.
The federal minister said the government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will keep working to reduce people’s problems, protect national security, and bring a permanent end to conflict and instability in the region.
